Heart rate and exercise

[Bubbles254]

I have not done much cardio in the past and consider myself quite unfit although I do weight train.

Recently I have been trying to incorporate some short bursts of high intensity exercise into my day with the aim of increasing my heart rate and making myself fitter.

Today for example I ran quite fast up and down the stairs at home 11 times. Doing this made me feel very tired and puffed out and I couldn't continue any longer however when I checked my fitbit my heart rate had only increased to from around 70 to 93 (it is 53 at rest).

Is this normal and if that is the case how do I get my heart rate up to the level suggested for hiit (148 to 175)?

The only time my heart rate is ever above 120 seems to be when I get out of a hot shower, never in response to exercise.

I'm afraid I cannot answer your specific question, but how about doing a good HIIT workout?

Have a look at Growingannanas.

Having said that, what really gets my heart rate up is Caroline Girvan...
😱😂😎

I have tried hiit and have the same problem, I get breathless before my heart rate goes up much. The reason for running up and down stairs is just for a quick 5 min burst that I can fit into my day.

I am doing strenght training with Caroline Girvan atm (but only iron, not one of her more intensive ones) and don't register much heart rate increase at all.

try EPIC Heat 😎

It could be that the Fitbit is inaccurate (especially for higher-intensity work), the intervals were too short (heart rate can take time to rise) or you have a limitation.

Maybe try seeing the response if you increase the duration and then intensity. Go for a walk, walk a bit faster, break into jog then run if you can. This should increase your heart rate.

If you aim to get aerobically fit, increase the frequency and then duration of walks. Aim to walk at a pace where you can speak full sentences with a bit of effort. Or do the same with cycling.

If you feel any discomfort and/or you still can't get your heart rate up, speak with your doctor.